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Concerns over Legionnaires’ disease in Baltimore grow as an inmate is diagnosed with the illness. This comes just weeks after Legionella, the bacteria responsible for Legionnaires’ disease was found in the water supply for three Baltimore City buildings and three courthouses.
Could the problem be spreading?
What is being done about it?
What is Legionnaires’ disease, anyway?
Here’s what we know so far about Legionnaires’ disease in Baltimore Government Buildings.
An inmate was taken to a local hospital in late January after experiencing shortness of breath and a persistent cough. But it wasn’t COVID. It wasn’t the flu either.
The diagnosis?
Legionnaires’ disease.
A type of pneumonial illness caused by a bacterial infection in the lung.
The inmate was at the Dorsey Run Correctional Facility located in Jessup, said the Department of Public Safety and Correctional Services.
The patient required hospitalization, but reports indicated that his condition is improving.
Following reports of this illness at the Dorsey Run Correctional Facility, the Department of Public Safety and Correctional Services social media account posted a statement.
“The safety and well-being of our staff and those in our care remain our highest priority. Medical staff, following recommendations from the Anne Arundel County Health Department, have been closely monitoring the situation,” the statement said. “Following recommendations from the Maryland Department of Health, protective measures for all staff and incarcerated individuals in the same housing areas as the hospitalized patient have been put in place.”
Fortunately, Legionnaires’ disease is not contagious. Person-to-person transmission is extremely rare and only occurs in very unique circumstances. There was no risk of spreading from this sick inmate to others in the close contact with him.
Despite that scenario, those in the area were still at risk.
This is because of the way that Legionnaires’ disease is spread.
People become sick with Legionnaires’ disease after inhaling Legionella bacteria. But not from respiratory droplets like other illnesses.
People become infected when they breathe in tiny water droplets containing microscopic bacteria. They can grow to infectious numbers in large water systems and easily spread when water becomes aerosolized.
These microscopic germs are naturally found in freshwater environments like lakes and streams. But they can also grow in human-made water systems. There, they pose a serious health risk.
Common human-made water systems at risk for spreading Legionella bacteria:
Home air-conditioning systems and car systems are not a risk for Legionella growth as they do not use water to cool the air.
Even more rare (but possible), people may become infected by drinking water contaminated with Legionella bacteria if it accidentally reaches someone’s lungs after it is swallowed.
Details about testing activities is unavailable at this time, but likely the inmate was exposed through a contaminated water system.
It is winter in Maryland, so even if cooling towers are used at the facility, it is unlike they were in use when the inmate became sick.
My bet is on the showers.
Believe it or not, shower heads can effectively aerosolize water droplets, making them an airborne mist. Hot water tanks are a potential breeding ground for those bad bugs.
There have already been reports of failed quality tests for water at other government buildings.
While the mayor’s office reports that there have been no reports of Legionnaires’ disease in Baltimore City courthouses or city buildings, the bacteria was discovered during water quality tests of six buildings. Baltimore City Hall, Abel Wolman Municipal building, the Benton building, and three courthouses.
Reports indicated “high levels” of Legionella bacteria in the water system.
In response to this finding, mitigation efforts were put into place. The buildings were temporarily closed while flushing and chlorination treatments were performed. According to the mayor’s office, the closures were not due to a public health or safety concern, but due to the intrusive nature of the mitigation efforts.
Increased testing within the city’s city-owned facilities will continue as a precautionary measure. However, according to the mayor’s office, chlorine levels in the surrounding area were tested and found sufficient. This chlorine and constant motion in the public distribution are designed to prevent Legionella and other bacterial growth.
In early December, water quality tests were requested by the Baltimore City Circuit Court clerk following reports of Legionella bacteria in two District Cout Buildings.
This ongoing problem requires ongoing surveillance to be sure exposure risk is at a minimum.
Legionnaires’ disease is a serious illness. So severe that 1 in 10 people with Legionnaires’ disease will die from complications of their illness. This statistic increases to 1 in 4 if contracted in a health care facility setting.
While not everyone who is exposed will become sick, certain groups of people are more susceptible to infection and more serious illness.
These include:
Those in these higher risk groups should see their health care provider right away if they begin experiencing respiratory symptoms. Notify your doctor of your potential exposure.
If you visited or worked at those buildings, you may have been exposed to Legionella bacteria. Be on the lookout for Legionnaires’ disease symptoms. The earlier an accurate diagnosis is made, the better your odds will be for faster recovery.
Common symptoms of Legionnaires’ disease include:
Some people with Legionnaires’ disease may also experience diarrhea, nausea, and/or confusion.
Symptoms usually begin around 2 to 14 days after exposure to the bacteria, though in some cases it may take longer.
If you have become sick with Legionnaires’ disease symptoms and live or have visited or worked in the Dorsey Run Correctional Facility within the two weeks prior to becoming sick, you may be wondering what you should do.
Legionnaires’ disease is a serious illness for some people. It can be life-threatening or fatal in some cases. Get medical help immediately to increase your chances of faster recovery.
Legionnaires’ disease cannot be diagnosed by symptoms alone. Even chest x-rays are ambiguous when it comes to differentiating Legionnaires’ disease from typical pneumonial illnesses. A specialized laboratory test must be performed to confirm Legionnaires’ disease diagnosis.
Legionnaires’ disease is a completely preventable illness. Appropriate sanitation measures prevent the growth of Legionella bacteria and avoid unnecessary illnesses. A Legionnaires’ disease lawyer can help you recover medical bills, lost income, and other expenses involved in the burden of recovering from Legionnaires’ disease or on behalf of loved ones who succumbed to illness.
If you wish to file a lawsuit for financial compensation, The Lange Law Firm, PLLC can help!
Our team has successfully won millions of dollars for those wronged in Legionnaires’ disease outbreaks. Call (833) 330-3663 or send an email to go over the details of your situation.
By: Heather Van Tassell (contributing writer, non-lawyer)
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